On Monday, October 17, the fifth anniversary of Marawi City’s liberation from terrorists was marked, beginning with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Marawi Pylon at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

According to Darlene Cay of GMA News’ Unang Balita, the event was led by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

The military host was Major General Jose Eriel Niembra of the Philippine Army. After a five-month siege, then-President Rodrigo Duterte claimed on October 17, 2017, that Marawi City had been liberated from the Islamic State-inspired Maute organization.

A group of Marawi liberators also presented flowers at Monday’s event.
In his remarks, Galvez remarked that the celebration is a means to commemorate, respect, and appreciate the 169 government personnel sl@in and 1,800 government troops injured during the Marawi City war. Galvez further stated that the restoration of Marawi City is underway, with roads, bridges, and other infrastructure being built on a constant basis.

He stated that the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has initiatives to assist survivors of murdered government soldiers and communities in their recovery process.

Former Interior Secretary Eduardo Ao, who was the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the Marawi siege, and former Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista, who was the commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi at the time, were also present at the event.

A representative from the GMA Kapuso Foundation was also present at the ceremony on Monday. The organization is constructing four schools in Marawi City to aid in the city’s recovery.